WASHINGTON (March 13, 2014) – Vancouver’s achievements in cutting-edge urban design, environmentally conscious development and community livability will be showcased at the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2014 Spring Meeting, set for April 9-11 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. ULI, with nearly 32,000 members around the globe, is a research and education institute dedicated to responsible land use and creating thriving, healthy communities worldwide.

The Spring Meeting, which typically draws up to 3,000 of the world’s top real estate professionals, is one of two major all-member meetings hosted annually by ULI. The Vancouver location reflects ULI’s international presence and the growing number of members with global business operations, as well as the strong business relations between the city and many markets throughout Asia, where ULI’s membership is growing rapidly.

A major focus for the 2014 gathering will be building communities that encourage healthy living, and are economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable – all of which are characteristics of Vancouver, noted ULI Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips. “With this vibrant city as the backdrop, we are anticipating a highly successful event.What we learn from Vancouver’s accomplishments in community buildingwill enrich the meeting experience for both experienced industry professionals and those starting their real estate careers.”

The ULI Host Committee, which is charged with maximizing the visibility of the Vancouver metropolitan area real estate market to meeting attendees, is being chaired by ULI British Columbia Chairman Alan Boniface, principal of Dialog in Vancouver. “We are very excited to be hosting one of ULI’s most prestigious meetings,” Boniface said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Vancouver’s ample assets to an organization that champions excellence in urban development and community building.”

Among the meeting highlights will be a general session on Wednesday, April 9, on global capital flows, in terms of the most promising regions and cities for real estate investment, and how to leverage opportunities presented by the globalized economy.It will feature insights from Graeme Eadie, senior vice president for real estate, CPP Investment Board; Nick Loup, chief executive, Grosvenor Asia Pacific; ULI Europe Chairman Roger G. Orf, partner and head of European real estate, Apollo Management International LLP; and Stephen S.S. Wong, chairman and architect, Chongbang Holdings (International) Limited. The session will be moderated by Remco Daal, Canadian president and chief operating officer for Bentall Kennedy, a principal sponsor for the Spring Meeting.

“As an organization operating across North America, Bentall Kennedy is excited to be part of ULI’s discussion on global issues and opportunities,” said Daal. “And, as a company founded in Vancouver over a century ago, we are also proud to help ULI showcase urban development and innovation in our city as part of one of the industry’s top events.”

Another key highlight on Wednesday: Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will discuss how the city is positioning itself as a global gateway that is attracting businesses from around the world, and preparing for future growth. The mayor will share Vancouver’s story in an on-stage interview with Chris Gailus, news anchor for Global News.

Vancouver will be in the spotlight at several of the real estate education sessions throughout the meeting, with panelists providing a local perspective as well as a comparison of Vancouveragainst other cities worldwide. On Wednesday, April 9, one session will focus on its high livability ranking; another will compare Vancouver, Miami and Houston as international gateway cities. Also on Wednesday, tours of several area developments are planned, including the Richmond Oval, UniverCity, West End, Gastown, Surrey City Centre and Granville Island.

On Thursday, April 10, the city’s success as a gateway city will be further explored in an education session, and separate sessionswill analyze its pioneering planning policies and its emphasis on health and wellness as an urban amenity and economic catalyst.

CNN host and renowned columnist Fareed Zakaria will close the meeting Friday, April 11, with a keynote address on the global economy and its impact on the real estate industry.

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 32,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.